Compare Zyrtec vs. Allegra-D
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats allergy symptoms.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help you with some allergy symptoms without making you very drowsy.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1232 reviewsforZyrtec
Treats allergy symptoms and congestion.
Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination allergy medicine that's useful if you have congestion and runny nose.
Upsides
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation compared to Benadryl.
- Works well to also treat hives and itchy skin.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) is available over the counter without a prescription. It comes as a tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolving tablet.
- It can provide relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) has few drug interactions with other medicines.
- Most people don't get any side effects from Zyrtec (cetirizine).
- Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) contains two medicines that work in different ways to help relieve multiple symptoms including nasal congestion and allergies.
- Available without a prescription in the drugstore.
Downsides
- Although it works fast, Zyrtec (cetirizine)'s effectiveness wears off for some people over time.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) can make you a little more sleepy compared to Allegra or Claritin.
- Some people find that other more sedating antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are more effective for them than Zyrtec (cetirizine).
- You must show a photo ID to purchase this medicine from behind the pharmacy counter. There's a maximum limit on how much Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) you can buy at a time.
- Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) can have more side effects (such as increased blood pressure and difficulty sleeping) than Allegra since it has pseudoephedrine in it.
- If you have severe high blood pressure or heart disease you can't take this medicine. If you have kidney damage, you may not be able to take Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine).
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$3.16
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$46.00
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Reviews
1232 reviews so far
76%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
The Zyrtec (cetirizine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
10possible side effects
- Headache13%
- Trouble sleeping13%
- Nausea7%
- Dry Mouth3%
- Indigestion3%
- Throat irritation2%
- Dizziness2%
- Agitation2%
- Back pain2%
- Palpitations2%
Risks and risk factors
- Increased side effects in the elderly
- Age 65 or older
- Impaired alertness
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- History of liver or kidney conditions
- History of liver or kidney disease
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- High blood pressure
- History of high blood pressure
- Heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Age 65 or older
- Seizure
- History of seizure